A team of researchers from Department of Public Health, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unit of Daffodil International University (DIU) and Cardio-Care General and Specialized Hospital has developed a new diagnostic modality to detect COVID – 19; where the researchers are using AI software to detect Covid-19 by analyzing the chest X-ray or images from lung CT scans. By using this AI technology, the health workers/Doctors can instantly diagnose if the suspected person has COVID – 19 or not. Currently, this AI technology can differentiate between COVID 19 and other respiratory illnesses including Pneumonia. Doctors can then follow up with other examinations and lab tests to confirm a diagnosis of the disease. In this research, researchers found that the sensitivity of this AI modality for COVID-19 infection is 96%.

The research is led by Professor Dr. Abu Naser Zafar Ullah, Associate Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, DIU. Other members of the team are: Engr. Md. Liakwat Ali Khan, Engr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Engr. Sheikh Md. Faysal, Dr. ABM Alauddin Chowdhury, Head, Department of Public Health, Md  Nasir Uddin, In –Charge, Cardio Care General and Specialized Hospital, Mr. Mohammad Mahedi Hasan, Department of Public Health. By using this AI technology, the health workers/Doctors will be able to instantly identify if the suspected person has COVID – 19 or not. Health workers/Doctors can then follow up with other examinations and lab tests to confirm a diagnosis of the disease. In this research, we found that the sensitivity of this AI modality for COVID-19 infection is 96%.

Professor Dr. Abu Naser Zafar Ullah along with the research team members presented an online demonstration of the new diagnostic modality to detect COVID – 19 through video conference today on March 22, 2020 with ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Daffodil International University, Mr. Md. Nuruzzaman, Chief Executive Officer, Daffodil Family, Mr. Md. Emran Hossain, Director (Administration), Daffodil International University. ICT Minister praised the innovation and expressed to extend his cooperation to this AI modality for COVID-19 infection.

The researchers have also developed a website which can be used by any registered/authorized facilities or centers or by any individual doctors who have computer access, from any corner of Bangladesh. Health workers can upload the chest X-ray image to website and instantly get the decision. DIU can offer free online training to all health workers.  Contact for details is Professor Dr. Abu Naser Zafar Ullah, Associate Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Science, DIU, Mobile: 01775325061.

In the current situation, COVID-19 patients should be identified quickly so that they can receive appropriate treatment. WHO recommended that early diagnosis of COVID-19 is crucial for disease treatment and control.

It is well known that radiology can play a crucial role in the diagnosis and identification of patients for observation in the hospital admission or at the screening center. The most commonly used diagnostic modality is chest radiography.